It is the same Old Swami in character, but the surroundings are different. Instead of watching deer run into the orchard, he sits high above Long Lake watching Jet Ski’s, pontoons and occasionally a small fishing boat in addition to waves rolling on the shore.

Yes, it has been two long years in the making, but the completion is so close, thanks to his four children, Stacie, Melanie, John and Kevin, who has an eye for perfection, along with soon to be daughter-in-law Jade.

Isn’t that what it is all about, working together, just the area football teams do in garnering wins this season?

Let’s see how Swami fares in the first week.

FLINT POWERS CATHOLIC (0-0) AT ALPENA (0-0) — Thursday — 7 p.m. — Could this be the year of the Wildcat? Only time will tell. A favorable schedule begins with a home game against Power Catholic. This will not be the same Charger team that humbled the Wildcats 34-7 last season after graduations. Coach Tyler Wellmar will take over the reins marking consecutive coaching changes in two years. With that said, Swami has to believe the Wildcats have to be favored.

With 21 seniors returning, Alpena should have one of its most experienced teams to date. Quarterback Jake Zann is one of those senior, which is a gigantic advantage, in addition to familiar faces of Kaleb Donajkowski and Easton Srebnik in the backfield and end positions.

Senior Joe Sheridan, who came out of nowhere last season at defensive end, is also back along with John Kurowski plugging up the middle, so the defense should be in good hands.

If the Wildcats are to succeed, they must reverse points given up to points scored, otherwise it could be another long season.

Swami Sez: Alpena 28, Flint Powers 13.

ALCONA (0-0) AT MIO (0-0) — Friday — 7 p.m. — Alcona has something to shoot for this season. Last year’s 7-2 record was good enough to make the playoffs, but Alcona wasn’t eligible. The Tigers are not only looking for a conference title, also to make noise in the postseason.

Quarterback Garrett Somers is focused on the success of the Tigers. Taking nothing for granted, he is looking to steer the Tigers to wins and that begins against Mio. Swami says if the Tigers have excellent preparation, the wins should come and will mount up.

Mio is looking to turn the page to its favor after going 4-5 last year and missing the postseason. The Thunderbolts only have two seniors returning, so the youth will rely on them to guide them. Chance Kamen is relishing the role of being a leader too.

The All-Knowing-One says the offense may not be a quick hitting as in the past, but might work in their favor, keeping the defense off the field.

Swami Sez: Alcona 35, Mio 16.

ONAWAY (0-0) AT INLAND LAKES (0-0) — Friday — 7 p.m. — The goals for Inland Lakes are straight forward: Win the Ski Valley 8-Player conference for a third straight year, and make it to the state finals. The upperclassmen are leading by example and have the rest of the team following that example.

The Bulldogs run first with seniors Grant Blumke, Payton Teuthorn and versatile Jake Willey, whether it is rushing, receiving and also contributing on special teams.

Onaway was on the other side of the spectrum. If there is an inspirational leader of the Cardinals it has to be Justin Kramer-St. Germain. Justin has not just done it with words. But he has done it, going full circle, since breaking his back in basketball, months of therapy, and willingness to play football his senior year speaks to his desire to be a leader. Breden Brewbaker is also expected to be a major contributor offensively and defensively.

Jackson Chaskey will take over the quarterback duties, allowing Brewbaker to be more of an offensive threat.

Swami Sez: Inland Lakes 42, Onaway 14.

ROGERS CITY (0-0) AT CHARLETON HESTON ACADEMY (0-0) — Friday — 7 p.m. — Rogers City’s coaching staff won’t let the Hurons get complacent, even after graduating 12 seniors and making the playoffs. This year’s seniors want more and will expect more out of the whole team.

With that said, the All-Knowing-One sees that is all the Hurons will need for motivation and everything should fall into place. Austin Fenstermaker is in the right place at half back to see what needs to be done to keep the ship on even keel. Swami says hard work will characterize this team.

Charleton Heston is looking for that elusive word in its football program, consistency. The Patriots enter the season on an upbeat note. If years past has anything to say about this year’s team, the Patriots will have to prevent themselves from falling into an early hole and playing from behind.

The Hurons should not take the Patriots lightly — for one little bobble might be all Heston needs to turn the game in their favor.

Swami Sez: Rogers City 48, Charleton Heston 6.